New food bank opens in Au Sable Forks

AU SABLE FORKS | A new community food bank is now open inside the St. James Episcopal Church parish hall, and a devoted team of 15 enthusiastic volunteers is ready to help serve those in need of assistance. The food bank is open every Tuesday from 3 to 6 p.m. Upon arrival, guests will receive a grocery bag or several, depending on their family size. Then they'll be able to fill those bags with a variety of perishable and non-perishable items, including various meats, cheeses, eggs, butter, milk, bread, frozen items, fresh produce, and boxed and canned goods. There's also meal kits (courtesy of resident Anne Griffin), a variety of paper products, and food available for cats and dogs, too. And just in time for Thanksgiving, the food bank is stocked with turkeys and all the trimmings, including gravy, cranberry sauce, and stuffing. "There will be some limitations to prevent running out of certain products, but people can just come in and shop for themselves," said Robin Licari, chairperson of the Town of Jay Human Services Committee. "It's nice to be able to do something nice like this for the community." The idea originated several months ago in the newly formed committee. "The food pantry run by the Town of Jay was tiny. Some people had lived in this town forever and didn't know it existed," said Licari about the food pantry located with the Town of Jay Community Center that ceased operations shortly after the opening of the new food bank. "Since we're a non-profit organization, [unlike the town food pantry], we can apply for grants; we can get free food; and we can get donations." At the last town board meeting, officials agreed to shut down the Town of Jay food pantry and donate all of its food directly to the food bank. Community members have also been generous with donations. In fact, a week before the food bank opened, the committee hosted a food drive, which was a huge success, Licari said. "People were there all day long, and so much food was dropped off. It showed that this is something that the community really wanted and needed." Unfortunately, the food bank's soft opening, held a week later, wasn't as successful, with the weather uncooperative and visitors not knowing the exact location of the food bank, as the parish hall is located behind the church itself and not easily visible by the road. The committee plans on improving the lighting along the sidewalk to help guide guests. Those who need groceries but can't visit the food bank during its open hours can simply contact Licari directly to set up a separate time to meet at the pantry. And for those unable to access the pantry in person, the committee also plans to launch a volunteer service to deliver groceries to homebound individuals. Due to the federal government shutdown, which officially ended last week, November SNAP benefits were not issued, leaving many without assistance to afford groceries. The committee is ready and willing to serve those affected by this locally, as well as anyone else who needs help. "We have a great group of volunteers, ready and willing to do anything they can to help," Licari said."We're here to meet the urgent needs of the community during this difficult time." For more information about the food bank, contact Licari at 914-204-7279 or robinlicari427@gmail.com.

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New food bank opens in Au Sable Forks

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